Integrating Fuzzy Graph Theory into Cryptography: A Survey of Techniques and Security Applications

Since the advent of networked systems, fuzzy graph theory has surfaced as a fertile paradigm for handling uncertainties and ambiguities. Among the different modes of handling challenges created by the uncertainties and ambiguities of current networked systems, integrating fuzzy graph theory with cryptography has emerged as the most promising approach. In this regard, this review paper elaborates on potentially studying fuzzy graph-based cryptographic techniques, application perspectives, and future research directions. Since the expressive power of fuzzy graphs allows the cryptographic schemes to handle imprecise information and to enhance security in many domains, several domains have benefited, such as image encryption, key management, and attribute-based encryption. The paper analyzes in depth the research landscape, mainly by focusing on the varied techniques used, such as fuzzy logic for key generation and fuzzy attribute representation for access control policies. A comparison with performance metrics unveils the trade-offs and advantages of different fuzzy graph-based approaches in efficiency, security strength, and computational overhead. Additionally, the survey explores the security applications of fuzzy graph-based cryptography and underpins potential development for secure communication in wireless sensor networks, privacy-preserving data mining, fine-grained access control in cloud computing, and blockchain security. Some challenges and research directions, such as the standardization of fuzzy logic operators, algorithmic optimization, integration with emerging technologies, and exploitation of post-quantum cryptography applications, are also brought out. This review will thus bring insight into this interdisciplinary domain and stimulate further research for the design of more robust, adaptive, and secure cryptographic systems in the wake of rising complexities and uncertainties.